Published July 31, 2024
Iowa's Autumn Adventures
Fall in Iowa, wow what an amazing time of the year to live here. The leaves are starting to change colors, the temperatures are dropping, and we can say goodbye to that midwest humidity. Yup, it's fall in Iowa! It's time to take a deep breath, we made it through the hot summer. It's time to relax on the back porch, carve pumpkins, and watch the combines start their rounds. Iowa is so special that we get the chance to experience every season this planet has to offer. We also get the luxury to go to apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes. Let's dive into some of the awesome places you should visit this fall.
Center Grove Orchard is located near Cambridge Iowa about thirty minutes north of the Des Moines Metro area. Center Grove offers an array of different attractions and has something for every member of the family. You can bottle-feed baby goats, and interact with other farm animals like pigs, ducks, chickens, turkeys, and sheep. They also have a lot of attractions like hay rides, train rides, corn pools, pedal carts, and jumping pillows. You can also take a stroll through their shops and buy fresh treats like caramel donuts, caramels, apple butter, and apple pies. Don't worry they also have healthy options like fresh apples you can pick yourself. If you have a free weekend Center Grove Orchard is a place you must try!
Jester Park is a park located just north of the Des Moines Metro area. The park has loads of activities to try out. Whether you are looking for a playground to bring your kids to. A trail to hike with your loved one or an impressive golf course to sharpen your skills. This park has it all and that's no joke. They even have bison and elk exhibits where you can see these amazing animals in person. Jester Park is a must-visit if you are looking for a fun weekend activity with the family.
The Howell’s Pumpkin Patch is located southwest of the Des Moines Metro area. Howell’s Pumpkin Patch has been family-owned and operated for six different generations. They have tons of family-friendly activities for all ages ranging from sunflower fields, flower patches, pumpkin patches, goat pens, an obstacle course, and a pumpkin launcher. They also have a farmers market that houses all the products they have like home decor, candles, jam & jellies, and dried flowers. At the farm, they also have a greenhouse where you can shop for flowers and plants that are grown right on the farm! If you have an unplanned fall night Howell's Pumpkin Patch is your friend!
Ledges State Park is 1,800 acres of pure Iowa beauty with impressive views of rock formations and scenic overlooks. Throughout ledges, they have a 4-mile trail system that will take you through the wilderness and alongside 100-foot sandstone ledges that are right above the Des Moines River. They also have sites within the park for you to camp with an RV or even regular tents. Even driving around ledges is impressive with some of their roads having water running right through them, and ledges towering over 100 feet around your car. If you live in Des Moines, Ledges State Park is a spot you should visit and explore.
Pumpkinville is located just east of the Des Moines Metro area about 30 minutes in the town of Mitchellville. This family farm is known for its pumpkins and they have a lot of them. All different types of pumpkins, sizes, and colors. Pumkinville is also one of the only free-admission farms around the metro. They just want you and your family to have a fun relaxed time. They offer activities such as hayrack rides, hay trains, playgrounds, bounce houses, sack races, tug of war, campfires, and a lot more. They also have corn mazes and of course pumpkin patches. If your evening’s unplanned Pumpkinville provides a fun adventure, dive into the fall excitement!
The Rose Farm is a surreal place that is located near Norwalk Iowa, about 15 minutes south of the Des Moines metropolitan area. This place offers tons of opportunities to explore its many different flower gardens. They host events every week weather permitting, they host local socializing events where you can grab a glass of wine, wander around the gardens, and pick yourself a bouquet. They also host larger events like weddings, baby showers, and family reunions. The farm also has an AirBnB on the property if you're looking for a great spot for a weekend getaway. After all that wandering around the flower beds, you can wander into their local shop where they have candles, coffee, tea, and of course flowers! If you are looking for a tranquil getaway the Rose Farm is the place for you!
Deals Orchard is about an hour from the Des Moines Metro area and is near the township of Jefferson. The Deal’s farm had been around since 1917 and has been family-owned and operated going back 5 generations. They are known for their apples, some of the best ones in the state of Iowa! They also have an array of different activities for the family like a corn maze, pumpkin patch, trike track, apple trees, playground, and a bunch of other activities. They also host a local shop on the property where you can shop for all the products they produce depending on the time of year. Most of the time they have cider donuts, homemade pies, apples, fudge, local honey, caramel, cider, jams, and more! Deal’s Orchard is the real deal when it comes to an apple orchard, they have mastered this craft over the last 5 generations, and it's worth a visit!
Rail Explorers is a national company that uses old historic rails that are no longer in use and they repurpose them for a riding experience to see the beauty of nature. Their location in Boone Iowa is a 12.5-mile round trip that will take you from views of farmland to the views of the Des Moines River over a 750 ft long 156 ft high bridge that will give you breathtaking views of the beautiful Iowa scenery. This ride is perfect for all ages and abilities; their rail explorers are battery motor-assisted, making it easy to fly around the rolling hills of Iowa. The only breath you will be losing is from the breathtaking views. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience!
Iowa Orchard has been around the Urbandale area since 1975. They have activities for the whole family from hay rides, a pumpkin patch, slides, and a playground. They also have another location in Granger Iowa where you can go there yourself and handpick fresh apples and strawberries. They are most known for their amazing homemade pies that are hand-rolled and stuffed with fresh never canned filling. Iowa Orchard has been a cherished Urbandale staple since 1975 its hand-rolled pies bursting with fresh never canned filling make it a must-visit for family and pie enthusiasts!
The High Trestle Trail is the perfect escape for a bike ride or walk, especially now that you can savor Iowa’s outdoors without the heat and humidity. Stretching 25 miles from Woodward to Ankeny, this scenic trail features multiple parking spots for easy access to its highlights. A standout feature of this trail is the dramatic bridge over the Des Moines River, which transitions into Saylorville Lake. At night, the trail transforms with its stunning blue lights illuminating the bridge, creating a must-see spectacle for locals and visitors alike.
As fall settles in Iowa our state offers a vibrant array of activities and destinations that capture the beauty of the season. The trees are changing to wonderful colors. The apples are ready for harvest, and the pumpkins are bright orange. There is no better time to be outdoors exploring all the amazing fall activities that Iowa has to offer. Whether you're carving pumpkins, enjoying fresh apple cider, or taking a stroll through one of our beautiful parks, there is no shortage of ways to enjoy this season. Iowa fall adventures await, embrace the season and create some memories that will last a lifetime!
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